February 28, 2022

VIA ELECTRONIC MAIL

Ms. Shari Meeks, Principal

Raleigh Egypt High School
3970 Voltaire
Memphis, TN 38128

Dear Ms. Meeks:

This is in regard to the unsportsmanlike incident that occurred after the Raleigh Egypt High
School vs. Hamilton High School girls’ basketball contest on Friday, February 26, 2022. TSSAA
received written reports of the unsportsmanlike incident from the administrations of both schools.
The report from Raleigh Egypt High School stated the following, in part:

I personally witnessed two Hamilton girls' basketball players approach REHS

players near the REHS bench at the end of the game. The Hamilton girls seemed
to have been angry regarding the outcome of the game. Both girls began hitting
REHS basketball players and consequently other Hamiltonians began to fight as
well. In addition, I saw Hamilton fans hit our girls and throw chairs.

All players, parents, and staff members from REHS (including myself) were
directed to hide in a locker room until SRU and MPD could clear the campus.
While we were hiding, a Hamilton parent/fan was witnessed making phone calls
asking people to "pull up." That person had to be escorted out of the building.
Finally, we were told that the parking lot was clear and that we could exit in a
tight group as directed by Officer (I am unsure of his title) Jeremy Brown. When
we entered to the parking lot from the building, there were Hamilton fans,
students, and parents standing at the door taunting us as we exited the building.
There were others in the parking lot sitting in cars as well. Nevertheless,
Raleigh-Egypt coaches, parents, and staff members were able to safely make it
out of the parking lot thanks to Jeremy Brown.

The report from Hamilton High School stated the following, in part:

My coaches, SCS Security, and I assisted in breaking up the altercation and we

sent our players to the locker room to wait until Raleigh Egypt was able to leave.
I asked all spectators to leave the gym and worked with Security and coaches to
clear it out.

I asked my coaches to provide statements via e-mail of what they saw and
experienced leading up to and during the altercation prior to leaving the building
 last night. After reading their statements, I am also concerned about adults
hitting on Hamilton student athletes. I am particularly concerned that two of the
statements mentioned seeing a coach from Raleigh-Egypt pull the hair of one of
our players.

I reviewed the video last night and have identified the primary instigator of the
altercation. I did not see any chairs thrown on camera and saw fans from both
teams run onto the court.

After considering the facts, this case is being closed in the following manner:

1. The Raleigh Egypt High School girls’ basketball program is being placed on restrictive
probation for two calendar years beginning February 28, 2022, through February 28,
2024, and fined $2,000. Article V, Section 4(3) states:

Restrictive probation to an individual sport in an athletic program shall

result in removal from the tournament series and a fine of $1,000
annually.

During the period of restrictive probation, the girls’ basketball program may participate
in regular season contests but cannot participate in post-season competition.

2. The Raleigh Egypt High School girls’ basketball program is being placed on probation
for two calendar years beginning February 28, 2022, through February 28, 2024, and
fined $1,000. Article V, Section 4(1) states:

Probation to an individual sport in an athletic program shall result in a

fine of $500 annually.

If there are any other unsportsmanlike incidents involving the girls’ basketball program
during the probationary period, TSSAA may have no choice but to take further action.

3. The Raleigh Egypt High School girls’ basketball program is being fined a total of
$3000.00 which is due to its unsportsmanlike action on February 26, 2022.

The TSSAA and its member schools believe strongly that the major purpose of athletics at the
secondary level is to be a part of the total educational program. A major part of this purpose is to
stress to coaches, players, officials, and fans the vital importance of sportsmanship. It is critical
that all people in each of these categories understand the major role that they play and the role
model that they can be for others.

If you have any questions concerning this, please feel free to contact our office.

Sincerely,

Bernard Childress
Executive Director

BC:lj